US20160212946A1 - Large-scale helical farming apparatus - Google Patents
Large-scale helical farming apparatus Download PDFInfo
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- US20160212946A1 US20160212946A1 US14/604,381 US201514604381A US2016212946A1 US 20160212946 A1 US20160212946 A1 US 20160212946A1 US 201514604381 A US201514604381 A US 201514604381A US 2016212946 A1 US2016212946 A1 US 2016212946A1
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- Prior art keywords
- planting material
- transport assembly
- operatively coupled
- planting
- compost
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
- A01G9/00—Cultivation in receptacles, forcing-frames or greenhouses; Edging for beds, lawn or the like
- A01G9/14—Greenhouses
- A01G9/1423—Greenhouse bench structures
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
- A01G31/00—Soilless cultivation, e.g. hydroponics
- A01G31/02—Special apparatus therefor
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
- A01G9/00—Cultivation in receptacles, forcing-frames or greenhouses; Edging for beds, lawn or the like
- A01G9/14—Greenhouses
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
- A01G9/00—Cultivation in receptacles, forcing-frames or greenhouses; Edging for beds, lawn or the like
- A01G9/14—Greenhouses
- A01G9/143—Equipment for handling produce in greenhouses
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
- A01G9/00—Cultivation in receptacles, forcing-frames or greenhouses; Edging for beds, lawn or the like
- A01G9/24—Devices or systems for heating, ventilating, regulating temperature, illuminating, or watering, in greenhouses, forcing-frames, or the like
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
- A01G9/00—Cultivation in receptacles, forcing-frames or greenhouses; Edging for beds, lawn or the like
- A01G9/24—Devices or systems for heating, ventilating, regulating temperature, illuminating, or watering, in greenhouses, forcing-frames, or the like
- A01G9/243—Collecting solar energy
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02A—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02A40/00—Adaptation technologies in agriculture, forestry, livestock or agroalimentary production
- Y02A40/10—Adaptation technologies in agriculture, forestry, livestock or agroalimentary production in agriculture
- Y02A40/25—Greenhouse technology, e.g. cooling systems therefor
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
- Y02P60/00—Technologies relating to agriculture, livestock or agroalimentary industries
- Y02P60/20—Reduction of greenhouse gas [GHG] emissions in agriculture, e.g. CO2
- Y02P60/21—Dinitrogen oxide [N2O], e.g. using aquaponics, hydroponics or efficiency measures
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- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Environmental Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Sustainable Development (AREA)
- Sustainable Energy (AREA)
- Hydroponics (AREA)
- Pretreatment Of Seeds And Plants (AREA)
Abstract
Embodiments of the present invention relate to systems and methods of providing a large-scale farming apparatus that utilizes a helical design for continuous crop production and cultivation. The invention generally embodies a planting material suspended between two material transport assemblies, configured to move down a helical path. In some embodiments, a depositor may deposit soil, seeds, fertilizer, etc. onto the planting material at the top of the helical path. In some embodiments, a harvester may harvest the crops at the bottom of the helical path and discard the soil into a compost housing. The material transport assemblies may travel back to the top of the helical path, creating a continuous path upon which the planting material may travel. A compost transport system may receive the compost from the compost housing, transport the compost upwards to the depositor, and deliver the compost, as fertile soil, back to the depositor.
Description
- This invention relates generally to farming on reduced plots of land, and more particularly to large-scale, multi-level farming apparatuses designed to increase crop production and minimize wastefulness of resources on reduced plots of land.
- Increasing crop production per a plot of land while minimizing the associated costs improves crops yields. This is especially relevant in areas with limited natural and economic resources, as well as in areas with seasonal farming restrictions. In these types of areas, increasing crop yields is an important aspect of maintaining a society.
- Embodiments of the present invention relate to systems and methods of providing a large-scale farming apparatus that utilizes a helical design for continuous crop production and cultivation. The invention generally embodies a planting material suspended between two material transport assemblies, configured to move down a helical path. In some embodiments, a depositor may deposit soil, seeds, fertilizer, etc. onto the planting material at the top of the helical path. In some embodiments, a harvester may harvest the crops at the bottom of the helical path and discard the soil into a compost housing. The material transport assemblies may travel back to the top of the helical path, creating a continuous path upon which the planting material may travel. A compost transport system may receive the compost from the compost housing, transport the compost upwards to the depositor, and deliver the compost, as fertile soil, back to the depositor.
- In some embodiments, an apparatus for providing vertical farming structure through which crops are allowed to grow as the crops move downward is provided. The apparatus may comprise a central support member positioned at least near the center of the apparatus. In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises one or more outer support members positioned at least near the exterior of the apparatus. Likewise, in some embodiments of the invention, the apparatus comprises an inner material transport assembly operatively coupled to the central support member. In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises an outer material transport assembly operatively coupled to the outer support members. The apparatus may also comprise a planting material comprising an inner edge operatively coupled to the inner material transport assembly, an outer edge operatively coupled to the outer material transport assembly, and a body extending between the inner edge and the outer edge, and wherein the planting material is configured to support the crops as the crops grow. Finally, the apparatus may be configured with any embodiments described above, wherein the crops are planted near an apparatus top, move in the downward direction as the inner material transport assembly and outer transport assembly allow the planting material to move in the downward direction, and are ready for harvesting near an apparatus bottom.
- In some embodiments, the apparatus is formed in a helical configuration such that the inner material transport assembly and the outer material transport assembly extend the planting material in a helical configuration from the apparatus top to the apparatus bottom.
- In some embodiments of the apparatus, at least one of the inner material transport assembly or the outer material transport assembly comprise first cable members, wherein the planting material comprise second cable members, wherein the first cable members and second cable members are operatively coupled by a cable in order to operatively couple at least one edge of the planting material to the inner material transport assembly or the outer material transport assembly, and wherein the cable members and the cable are configured to move the planting material in the downward direction between the inner material transport assembly and the outer material transport assembly.
- In some embodiments of the apparatus, at least one of the inner material transport assembly and outer material transport assembly comprise clips, rollers, and gears operatively coupled together, and wherein the clips are operatively coupled to at least one of the inner edge or the outer edge of the planting material, and wherein the clips, the rollers, and the gears are configured to move the planting material in the downward direction between the inner material transport assembly and the outer material transport assembly.
- In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a planting material return support extending adjacent the apparatus bottom and the apparatus top. In some embodiments of the apparatus, the planting material return support is configured to fold or bunch at least the outer edge of the planting material within the planting material return support adjacent the apparatus bottom. Furthermore, in some embodiments of the apparatus, after exiting the planting material return support adjacent the apparatus top the planting material returns to a helical orientation between the inner material transport assembly and the outer material transport assembly, thereby forming a continuous path along which the planting material travels.
- In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a light receiver operatively coupled to the central support member, the light receiver comprising one or more solar panels. In such an embodiment, the apparatus may further comprise a cover operatively coupled to the central support member and the outer support members, the cover comprising a reflective material and configured to direct sunlight towards the light receiver. In such embodiments, the one or more solar panels are utilized to power at least a portion of the apparatus.
- In some embodiments of the apparatus, the central support member comprises a conduit or is operatively coupled to a conduit. In some such embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a compost housing located adjacent the apparatus bottom and configured to receive the soil from planting material after the crops are harvested. The apparatus may further comprise a compost transport system operatively coupled to the compost housing and the conduit, wherein the compost transport system is configured to receive the soil from the compost housing. Finally, the apparatus may comprise a depositor operatively coupled to the conduit, positioned over at least a portion of the planting material, wherein the depositor is configured to receive soil from the compost transport system and deposit soil on at least a portion of the planting material.
- In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a harvester positioned over at least a portion of the planting material, wherein the harvester is configured to harvest the crops from the planting material.
- In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a propulsive assembly operatively coupled to the inner transport assembly or the outer transport assembly, wherein the propulsive assembly is configured to move the planting material along the inner transport assembly and the outer transport assembly.
- In some embodiments of the invention, the apparatus comprises a heating system operatively coupled to the apparatus and configured to provide heat throughout the planting material, or a cooling system operatively coupled to the apparatus and configured to provide cool air throughout the planting material. The apparatus may also comprise an irrigation system operatively coupled to the apparatus, wherein the irrigation system is configured to provide water throughout the planting material. In some embodiments, the apparatus also comprises a lighting system operatively coupled to the apparatus, wherein the lighting system is configured to provide artificial light to the crops. Finally, in some embodiments, the apparatus comprise a sheath positioned to surround the apparatus, wherein the sheath is configured to protect the planting material from natural elements.
- According to embodiments of the invention, a method providing vertical farming structure through which crops are allowed to grow as the crops move downward is provided. The method may comprise planting seeds for crops on a planting material adjacent an apparatus top, wherein the apparatus comprises a central support member, one or more outer support members positioned at least near an exterior of the apparatus, an inner material transport assembly operatively coupled to the central support member, an outer material transport assembly operatively coupled to the outer support members, the planting material comprising an inner edge operatively coupled to the inner material transport assembly and an outer edge operatively coupled to the outer material transport assembly, and a body suspended between the inner edge and the outer edge, and wherein the planting material is configured to support the crops as the crops grow. In some embodiments, the method may comprise moving the planting material with the seeds in a downward direction as the inner material transport assembly and outer transport assembly allow the planting material to move in the downward direction, in order to allow the crops to grow. Finally, the method may comprise harvesting the crops adjacent the apparatus bottom after the crops have grown to the desired maturity.
- In some embodiments of the method, the apparatus is formed in a helical configuration such that the inner material transport assembly and the outer material transport assembly extend the planting material in a helical configuration from the apparatus top to the apparatus bottom.
- In some embodiments of the method, at least one of the inner material transport assembly or the outer material transport assembly comprise first cable members, wherein the planting material comprise second cable members, and wherein the first cable members and second cable members are operatively coupled by a cable in order to operatively couple at least one edge of the planting material to the inner material transport assembly or the outer material transport assembly, and wherein the cable members and the cable are configured to move the planting material in the downward direction between the inner material transport assembly and the outer material transport assembly.
- In some embodiments of the method, at least one of the inner material transport assembly and outer material transport assembly comprise clips, rollers, and gears operatively coupled together, and wherein the clips are operatively coupled to at least one of the inner edge or the outer edge of the planting material, and wherein the clips, the rollers, and the gears are configured to move the planting material in the downward direction between the inner material transport assembly and the outer material transport assembly.
- In some embodiments of the invention, the method further comprises returning the planting material at the apparatus bottom to the apparatus top in a continuous path through a planting material return support extending adjacent the apparatus bottom and the apparatus top. In some embodiments of the method, the planting material return support is configured to fold or bunch at least the outer edge of the planting material within the planting material return support adjacent the apparatus bottom. Finally, in some embodiments of the method, after exiting the planting material return support adjacent the apparatus top, the planting material returns to a helical orientation between the inner material transport assembly and the outer material transport assembly, thereby forming the continuous path along which the planting material travels.
- In some embodiments of the method, the crops are gown with the assistance of a light receiver operatively coupled to the central support member, the light receiver comprising one or more solar panels; a cover operatively coupled to the central support member and the outer support members, the cover comprising a reflective material and configured to direct sunlight towards the light receiver; and wherein the one or more solar panels are utilized to power at least a portion of the apparatus.
- In some embodiments, the method further comprises delivering soil from a compost housing located adjacent the apparatus bottom to the planting material adjacent the apparatus top through a conduit using a compost transport system and a depositor. In some embodiments of the method, the central support member comprises the conduit or is operatively coupled to the conduit. In some embodiments of the method, the compost housing is configured to receive the soil from planting material after the crops are harvested. In some embodiments of the method, the compost transport system is operatively coupled to the compost housing and the conduit, wherein the compost transport system is configured to receive the soil from the compost housing deliver the soil to the depositor. Finally, in some embodiments of the method, the depositor is operatively coupled to the conduit, positioned over at least a portion of the planting material, and wherein the depositor is configured to receive the soil from the compost transport system and deposit the soil on at least a portion of the planting material.
- In some embodiments of the method, harvesting comprises harvesting through a harvester positioned over at least a portion of the planting material adjacent the apparatus bottom, wherein the harvester is configured to harvest the crops from the planting material.
- In some embodiments of the method, the planting material is moved in the downward direction through a propulsive assembly operatively coupled to the inner transport assembly or the outer transport assembly, wherein the propulsive assembly is configured to move the planting material along the inner transport assembly and the outer transport assembly.
- In some embodiments of the method, the crops are gown with the assistance of a heating system operatively coupled to the apparatus and configured to provide heat throughout the planting material, or a cooling system operatively coupled to the apparatus and configured to provide cool air throughout the planting material; an irrigation system operatively coupled to the apparatus, wherein the irrigation system is configured to provide water throughout the planting material; a lighting system operatively coupled to the apparatus, wherein the lighting system is configured to provide artificial light to the crops; and a sheath positioned to surround the apparatus, wherein the sheath is configured to protect the planting material from natural elements.
- In further embodiments, an apparatus for a vertical farming structure through which crops are allowed to grow is provided. The apparatus may comprise a central support member positioned at least near the center of the apparatus; one or more outer support members positioned at least near the exterior of the apparatus; an inner material transport assembly operatively coupled to the central support member; an outer material transport assembly operatively coupled to the outer support members; a planting material comprising an inner edge operatively coupled to the inner material transport assembly, an outer edge operatively coupled to the outer material transport assembly, and a body extending between the inner edge and the outer edge, wherein the planting material is configured to support the crops as the crops grow; and wherein the crops are planted in a first location within the apparatus, move as the inner material transport assembly and outer transport assembly allow the planting material to move, and are ready for harvesting in a second location within the apparatus.
- To the accomplishment of the foregoing and the related ends, the one or more embodiments of the invention comprise the features hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims. The following description and the annexed drawings set forth certain illustrative features of the one or more embodiments. These features are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of various embodiments may be employed, and this description is intended to include all such embodiments and their equivalents.
- Having thus described embodiments of the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings.
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FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a helical farming apparatus, in accordance with embodiments of the invention. -
FIG. 2 illustrate a perspective view of a helical farming apparatus, in accordance with embodiments of the invention. -
FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a planting material transport device assembly that uses rollers and gears, in accordance with embodiments of the invention. -
FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a planting material transport device assembly that uses rollers and gears, in accordance with embodiments of the invention. -
FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a planting material transport device assembly that uses cables, in accordance with embodiments of the invention. -
FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a planting material transport device assembly that uses cables, in accordance with embodiments of the invention. -
FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a compost housing, compost transport assembly, and a depositor, in accordance with embodiments of the invention. -
FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a compost housing, compost transport assembly, and a depositor, in accordance with embodiments of the invention. -
FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of a compost housing, in accordance with embodiments of the invention. -
FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a compost housing and a compost transport system, in accordance with embodiments of the invention. -
FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of a compost transport system and a depositor, in accordance with embodiments of the invention. -
FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of a compost transport system and a depositor, in accordance with embodiments of the invention. - Embodiments of the present invention may now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure may satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.
- To improve the rate of crop production over a plot of land, various embodiments of the invention may provide for an apparatus comprising planting material (e.g., a fabric, tarp, mesh, textile, cloth, or other like material) for supporting soil and crops, wherein the planting material continuously travels vertically downward (e.g., in a helical path, or another like path) from the top of the apparatus to the bottom of the apparatus (or vice versa in other applications), with soil and seeds deposited adjacent the apparatus top (e.g., near the top of the helical path of the planting material, or the like), and with a harvester located adjacent the apparatus bottom (e.g., near the end of the helical path of the planting material). A return support structure is utilized to return the planting material to the apparatus top and create a continuous loop of material on which crops may grow.
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FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of ahelical apparatus 100 used in agriculture according to one embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that as used herein, thehelical apparatus 100 may be simply referred to as “the apparatus” 100, which may indicate that the apparatus creates a helical path for theplanting material 110 or another type of path for theplanting material 110. As shown inFIG. 1 , theapparatus 100 may be defined by a light receiver 101 (e.g., a cone that opens downwardly, or other like shape), a cover 102 (e.g. a disk, trough, collector, or the like), acentral support member 103, a conduit 104 (e.g., a tube of any shape or size), an innermaterial transport assembly 105, anouter transport assembly 106, plantingmaterial 110,outer support members 111,support cables 112, anchors 113, adepositor 120, aharvester 130, aharvester conveyor 131, anapparatus base 140, acompost housing 150, and acompost conveyor 151. - The
light receiver 101 may be operatively coupled to thecentral support member 103 and one or more support cables 112 (e.g. light receiver support cables). In some embodiments, the underside 101A of thelight receiver 101 may comprise one or more solar panels positioned to receive light reflecting off of thecover 102. In other embodiments, the underside 101A of the light receiver 101A may be comprised of one or more mirrors, or other reflective material, which receives light reflected off of thecover 102 and directs the light downward, toward a location on thecover 102 or other location. In some embodiments, the location to which the light is directed may comprise one or more solar panels. In another embodiment, the location to which the light is directed may be a pool of water that is collected in at least a portion of thecover 102, whereby concentration of light toward the water may heat the water within thecover 102 and produce steam that may be captured by theapparatus 100. The steam may be utilized for heating by piping the heating throughout theapparatus 100 and/or as power generation (e.g., through turning a turbine). In one embodiment, thecover 102 itself may act as a container of water as discussed below. In some embodiments of the invention, the top side 101B of thelight receiver 101 may also comprise solar panels, which may further be used for power generation. - The
cover 102 may be a funnel-shaped (e.g., cone or other like shape) structure constructed of any substantially rigid material. The outer rim 102A of thecover 102 may be operatively coupled to, and supported by, each of theouter support members 111. The cover base 102B of thecover 102 may be operatively coupled to theconduit 104 and/or thecentral support member 103. For example, the cover base 102B of the cover may be secured to the outer wall of theconduit 104 and/or thecentral support member 103, connected to the top of theconduit 104 and wall of thecentral support member 103, or secured in another way. In one embodiment the funnel-shaped configuration, or other like shape that creates a cavity, of thecover 102 may allow for the collection of rain water. In some embodiments, thecover 102 may act as a basin and retain the rain water for later use in irrigation, or steam generation for heat or energy creation. In some embodiments, thecover 102 may direct the rain water to a device within the conduit 104 (or adjacent the conduit 104) that is designed for irrigation, heat generation, or energy creation. In some embodiments, the upper surface 102C of thecover 102 may be comprised of a reflective material. In such an embodiment, the upper surface 102C of thecover 102 may reflect sunlight upward towards the underside 101A of thelight reflector 101 used to create steam or energy. In still other embodiments at least a portion of thecover 102 may comprise solar paint, solar panels, or other like solar material that can be utilized to covert light into energy in order to power at least a portion of theapparatus 100. - The
central support member 103 may be a rod, pole, or supportive structure of any shape, which supports thelight receiver 101 in the light receiver's 101 elevated position above thecover 102. In other embodiments thecentral support member 103 may also provide support to other parts of the apparatus, such as but not limited to theconduit 104, innermaterial transport assembly 105, outermaterial transport assembly 106,outer support members 111, or the like. For example, in some embodiments of the invention, thecentral support member 103 may be operatively coupled at one end to the top of theconduit 104. In another embodiment, at least part of thecentral support member 103 is located within or outside of at least a portion of, or through the entirety, of theconduit 104, and wherein the bottom of thecentral support member 103 may be operatively coupled to theapparatus base 140 of theapparatus 100. In some embodiments, the top of thecentral support member 103 is operatively coupled to the center or the top of thelight receiver 101. Thecentral support member 103 provides structural support for thelight receiver 101 in order to holdlight receiver 101 in its central, elevated location, relative to the rest of theapparatus 100. In some embodiments of the invention (not shown), thesupport cables 112 are operatively coupled to thecentral support member 103, instead of thelight receiver 101. In some embodiments thecentral support member 103 and theconduit 104 are the integral and the same support member. In other embodiments there is notconduit 104 and thecentral support member 103 replaces theconduit 104. - The
conduit 104 may be a cylinder, tube, or other open or closed structure of any shape. Theconduit 104 may house several components (not shown) of theapparatus 100, including a compost transport system 710 (e.g. auger, bucket system, or other soil or compost lifter), a human access system (e.g. an elevator for humans and materials, a ladder, stairs, or the like), an irrigation system (e.g., for delivering water throughout the planting material locations), and a power system (e.g., for heating, cooling, and/or lighting systems). Theconduit 104 may be centrally located within theapparatus 100, with the outer wall of theconduit 104 providing support to one or more of the following features: the innermaterial transport assembly 105, theplanting material 110, thedepositor 120, theharvester 130, and thecompost conveyor 151. - The
compost transport system 710 may be comprised of an auger, a bucket system, a lift, or any other soil transporting mechanism which delivers soil from thecompost housing 150 up to thedepositor 120. In some embodiments thecompost transport system 710 may automatically deliver soil (e.g., compost) from thecompost housing 150 to thedepositor 120. However, in other embodiments of the invention thecompost transport system 710 may only provide a means to deliver soil to the apparatus top (e.g., adjacent the start of the planting material helical path), such that a human may be responsible for spreading the soil around the planting material to plant additional crops. - The human access system may be comprised of an elevator, a lift, stairs, a ladder, or any other human transport mechanism that allows one or more humans to travel from the apparatus bottom (e.g., the conduit bottom 104A) to the apparatus top (e.g., the conduit top 104B), with possible stops at different points along the vertical path of the
conduit 104, such that a human may check the crops as the grow at different stages along the length of the path of theplanting material 110. The human access system may allow humans to travel up theconduit 104 for farming, monitoring, and maintenance tasks of the various components of theapparatus 100 at different locations. - The inner
material transport assembly 105, in one embodiment may comprise any type of railing that can be operatively coupled to theconduit 104, following a helical path around, and down, theconduit 104. In some embodiments, the innermaterial transport assembly 105 may be a single railing that follows a helical path down theconduit 104. In some embodiments, the innermaterial transport assembly 105 comprises a “C-beam” or two rails one on top of the other. Material couplings 301 (e.g., clips, hooks, o-rings, or the like) and coupling movement devices 302 (e.g., rollers, bearings, cylinders, or the like) may be operatively coupled to the innermaterial transport assembly 105. Theplanting material 110 may comprise an inner edge (e.g., first edge, or the like), an outer edge (e.g., second edge, or the like), and a body extending between the inner edge and the outer edge. The inner edge of theplanting material 110 may be operatively coupled to the innermaterial transport assembly 105, while the outer edge may be operatively coupled to the outer material transport assembly 106 (discussed in further detail below), such that the location and orientation of the innermaterial transport assembly 105 and outermaterial transport assembly 105 determines the location and orientation of theplanting material 110. In some embodiments, the helical path of the innermaterial transport assembly 105 may have a constant pitch throughout (the width of each helical turn is constant). In some embodiments, the helical path of the innermaterial transport assembly 105 may increase in pitch as the helical structure moves downward (the width of each helical is constantly increased down the path of the inner rail 105). As will be discussed later, this increase in pitch, moving down the helical path, may allow the proper amount of space for a plant to grow from a seed to its mature height without wasting space in theapparatus 100 between helical rotations. - Like the inner
material transport assembly 105, in some embodiments, the outermaterial transport assembly 106 comprises a single rail, multiple rails, a “C-beam” railing, or other like rail, andmaterial couplings 301 andcoupling movement devices 302 that may be operatively coupled to theouter railing 106. Moreover, the outermaterial transport assembly 106 may be operatively coupled to theplanting material 110, so its location and orientation determines the location and orientation of theplanting material 110. The outermaterial transport assembly 106 may be positioned equidistant from the innermaterial transport assembly 105, such that the outermaterial transport assembly 106 follows the same helical path around theconduit 104 as the innermaterial transport assembly 105. However, the outermaterial transport assembly 106 has a greater length than the innermaterial transport assembly 106. The helical path of the outermaterial transport assembly 106 may generally follow the same pitch as the innermaterial transport assembly 105 so that the innermaterial transport assembly 105 and outermaterial transport assembly 106 run substantially parallel to each other at all points down the helical path. This parallel orientation of the inner and outermaterial transport assemblies planting material 110 to be positioned substantially horizontal between the inner and outermaterial transport assemblies material transport assemblies planting material 110 in order to create or prevent run-off or pooling of water from the irrigation system in different locations in theapparatus 100. It should be understood that the rails described above may be any type of rod, bar, track, or other like device that allows a coupling to move with respect to the rail as described in further detail below. - Referring to
FIG. 2 , one embodiment of the invention includes one or morereturn support assemblies 201, for example, two return rails that are operatively coupled to both the innermaterial transport assembly 105 and the outermaterial transport assembly 106, and connect the bottom locations of the innermaterial transport assembly 105 and the outermaterial transport assembly 106 to the top locations parts of the innermaterial transport assembly 105 and the outermaterial transport assembly 106. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 2 , thereturn support assemblies 201 travel outward horizontally (e.g., transverse from the helical orientation), underneath the last helical path of theapparatus 100, vertically outside of the helical path of the outermaterial transport assembly 106, and return horizontally to the beginning of the helical paths of the inner and outermaterial transport assemblies support assemblies planting material 110 and any associated components (e.g.,material couplings 301,coupling movement devices 302, or the like) may continuously travel along. In one embodiment, only one return rail is used to return theplanting material 110 back to the top of the helical path. For example, the outer and inner rails converge together to transport theplanting material 110 back to the apparatus top where the outer and inner rails diverge to create the helical path. - In one embodiment, as the
planting material 110 transitions from the helical path (or other shaped path) the return support at least the outer edge of the planting material, and in some embodiments the inner edge, is configured for fold upon itself or bunch up in order to take into account that the outer edge of the planting mater is longer than the inner edge as theplanting material 110 returns to the top of theapparatus 100. Alternatively when theplanting material 110 returns to the helical path (or other like path) the planting material unfolds or unbunches in order to become tight in order to receive and support soil for additional planting. - In other embodiments of the invention, the outer edge and the inner edge of the
planting material 110 may be the same or similar lengths and planting material folds on top of itself adjacent the innermaterial transport assembly 105 when following the helical path, while it is stretched out when the path reaches thereturn support assemblies 201. - In still other embodiments of the invention, the
planting material 110 is stretchable enough, such that it is tight as it follows the helical path (or other like path) and the outer edge of the planting material contracts and/or the inner edge expands when the planting material transitions from the helical path to the return path (and vice versa). - In still other embodiments of the invention the inner
material transport assembly 105 and the outermaterial transport assembly 106 may comprise one or more cables (e.g., rope, nylon, composite, steel, or the like) and a plurality of members (e.g., hook member, eyelet member, clip member, or the like) that operatively couples the outer edge of theplanting material 110 to an outer rail (e.g., rod, bar, track, or the like) and an inner edge of theplanting material 110 to an inner rail (e.g., rod, bar, track, or the like), as illustrated inFIG. 5 and as discussed in further detail later. In some embodiments of the invention the one or more cables may be able to be tightened or loosened in order to control how tight theplanting material 110 is between the innermaterial transport assembly 105 and the outermaterial transport assembly 106. - Regardless of how the planting material is attached to the inner
material transport assembly 105 and the outermaterial transport assembly 106, theplanting material 110 may be any sort of material that supports and/or aids in the planting and growth of any type of crop. As previously discussed some examples of theplanting material 110 include, but are not limited to, fabric, tarp, mesh, textile, cloth, and other like materials. As previously discussed theplanting material 110 is positioned between the innermaterial transport assembly 105 and the outermaterial transport assembly 106 of theapparatus 100, such that theplanting material 110 occupies at least a portion of the plane between the inner and outermaterial transport assemblies planting material 110 is to support soil and crops, travel down the helical path (or other shaped path) defined by the inner and outermaterial transport assembly planting material 110 must be strong enough to support soil and plants, as well as any water within the soil. In some embodiments, theplanting material 110 is impermeable to fluid, and water cannot pass through theplanting material 110. In other embodiments, theplanting material 110 is permeable to water, allowing water to pass through at least one layer of theplanting material 110 and subsequently drop down to the layers of soil, plants, andplanting material 110 below. In some embodiments, theplanting material 110 is stretchable and/or flexible, such that theplanting material 110 may be deformed from its normal, helical orientation to follow thereturn support assemblies 201 back to the top of the helical path. In other embodiments of the invention theplanting material 110 is ridged or semi-ridges such that it is not deformed or minimally deformable and it is folded or bunched up in order to return theplanning material 110 to the top of the helical path (or other shaped path). Theplanting material 110 may be re-usable, in that the material is undamaged or not substantially damaged by the soil, plants, water, harvesting, or the like, that may interact with theplanting material 110 during its helical path down theapparatus 100, or by any stretching of theplanting material 110. It should be understood that in some embodiments crops may grow on the planting material without the need for soil, or through the use of another type of compound that can replace the use of soil. - In some embodiments, the
planting material 110 is operatively coupled to the innermaterial transport assembly 105 and outermaterial transport assembly 106, such that theplanting material 110 may move along the helical path (or other path) defined by the inner andouter assemblies planting material 110 may be operatively coupled to material couplings 301 (e.g. clamps, hooks, eyelets, one or more cables, etc.). Thematerial couplings 301 may be any type of coupling device capable of securing itself to a part of theplanting material 110 and securing another part of itself to a coupling movement device 302 (e.g., rollers, bearings, slides, rings, hooks, eyelets, or the like). Thesematerial couplings 301 may be connected to theplanting material 110 at one end, and connected at the other end to acoupling movement device 302 operatively coupled to one or more rails, or other like device. Thecoupling movement devices 302, along with theirrespective material couplings 301, may be spaced throughout the rails, or other like device, of the innermaterial transport assembly 105 and the outermaterial transport assembly 105 of theapparatus 100. Thematerial couplings 301 hold theplanting material 110 in a specific position, based on the location of thecoupling movement device 302 along the inner and outer rails, or other like device. Thecoupling movement devices 302 may be any device that allows thematerial couplings 301 to travel along the inner and outer rails (e.g., rod, bar, track, etc.). In some embodiments there are morematerial couplings 301 andcoupling movement devices 302 on the outer edge then the inner edge of the plating material. One potential embodiment of thematerial couplings 301 and thecoupling movement devices 302 will be discussed below with reference toFIGS. 3 and 4 . Another potential embodiment of the material couplings and thecoupling movement devices 302 will be discussed below with reference toFIG. 5 . - The
outer support members 111 may be operatively coupled to, and support, the outer material transport assembly 106 (e.g., rails as described above, or the like) of theapparatus 100, at one or more levels of the helical path (or all levels). The bottom of theouter support members 111 may be secured to thebase 140 of theapparatus 100 and/or directly into the surrounding ground (e.g., footings, or the like), and the top of theouter support members 111 may be operatively coupled to, and provide structural support for, thecover 102. In one embodiment, the bottom of theouter support members 111 may be secured into the ground. Some of theouter support members 111 may additionally be operatively coupled to, and provide structural support for, other components of theapparatus 100, such as thedepositor 120, theharvester 130, theharvester conveyor 131, and thereturn support assemblies 201. - In some embodiments,
apparatus support cables 112 may provide additional support to theapparatus 100. Theapparatus support cables 112 may be operatively coupled toanchors 113, which are in turn secured to either the ground or thebase 140 of theapparatus 100. The ends of theapparatus support cables 112 may be operatively coupled to a middle section (as illustrated), a lower section, and/or an upper section of theouter support members 111. Moreover, theapparatus support cables 112 may be operatively coupled to thelight receiver 101, thecover 102, and/or thecentral support member 103. In some embodiments, theapparatus support cables 112 may be operatively coupled to the top of theouter support members 111 and/or thecover 102, or any other combination of components in theapparatus 100. In some embodiments,connectors 112A may be used to operatively couple theapparatus support cables 112 with theouter support members 111, thecover 102, and/or thelight receiver 101. In some embodiments of the invention, theapparatus support cable 112 is comprised of a rope, steel, wire, tether, nylon, composite material, or any other cable-type material capable of securing theapparatus 100. In one embodiment of the invention, a singleapparatus support cable 112 is attached at one end to the middle of theouter support member 111, runs outward from theapparatus 100 and is operatively coupled to ananchor 113, then runs back toward the top of theapparatus 100 to be operatively coupled with the top of theouter support member 111, thecover 102, and/or thelight receiver 101. In some embodiments, more than oneapparatus support cable 112 is operatively coupled at one end to ananchor 113. In such an embodiment, the other ends of eachapparatus support cable 112 is operatively coupled to the respective outer support member 111 (the top, middle, or bottom), thecover 102, and/or thelight receiver 101. - The
base 140 of theapparatus 100 may be comprised of any material that allows for structural support of theapparatus 100. In some embodiments, thebase 140 is simply the ground upon which theapparatus 100 rests. In other embodiments, thebase 140 is a solid platform formed with concrete, steel (e.g., beams and/or rebar), composite material, and the like, that supports theapparatus 100. In some embodiments, thebase 140 may provide protection from natural elements such as flooding, animal infestations, and the like. The base 140 may provide a securing connection for theconduit 104, theinner support member 103, theouter support members 111, and/or theanchors 113. In some embodiments, thebase 140 may provide structural support and/or protection for thecompost housing 150, thecompost conveyor 151, and the compost transport system. - The
depositor 120 may be any mechanism capable of depositing soil, seeds, water, fertilizer, and/or any other material used in planting or growing crops onto theplanting material 110. In one embodiment, asingle depositor 120 may deposit the soil, seeds, water, fertilizer, etc. In another embodiment, more than onedepositor 120 may be used. In one embodiment, thedepositor 120 deposits at least the soil and one or more users may finish the planting process. In other embodiments users may be responsible for depositing the soil, seeds, water, and/or fertilizer. The following example embodiments refer to thedepositor 120 depositing soil, but it should be noted that these embodiments also envision depositing the seeds, fertilizer, water, and any other material used in planting or growing crops. In one embodiment, thedepositor 120 is located on top of, or above, theplanting material 110, at the top of the planting material's 110 helical path (or other like path). Thedepositor 120 may be operatively coupled at one end to theconduit 104, and at the other end to one of theouter support members 111. In one embodiment, thedepositor 120 receives soil from the compost transport system, via theconduit 104. For example, the compost transport system may deliver soil up theconduit 104, from thecompost housing 150, and once the soil reaches the top of theconduit 104, where thedepositor 120 is located, the soil is transported away from theconduit 104 and outward along thedepositor 120, before thedepositor 120 delivers the soil onto theplanting material 110 passing beneath. While theplanting material 110 is moving along its helical path at a uniform rotational speed, the linear speed of theplanting material 110 is faster at points closer to the outermaterial transport assembly 106 than at points near theinner transport assembly 105. Because of this discrepancy in the speed of theplanting material 110 passing underneath thedepositor 120, thedepositor 120 may deposit more soil, or deposit soil more quickly, at points further away from theconduit 104 so that theplanting material 110 may have a substantially uniform soil thickness across its entire surface area. This same concept may be used for the planting of seeds to keep the seeds (and crops) a substantially uniform distance from the other seeds. - The seeds deposited by the
depositor 120 may be stored within thedepositor 120, within theconduit 104, in thecompost housing 150, or in an external housing such as a silo. In embodiments where the seeds are stored within theconduit 104 or thecompost housing 150, the seeds may be transported up theconduit 104, and to thedepositor 120, via a seed transport system, which may be the same transport system as the compost transport system or a different system. Seeds stored in an external housing may be transported through theconduit 104, and out along thedepositor 120, moving away from theconduit 104. In another embodiment, the seeds may be transported into theapparatus 100 from the external housing, being delivered to the end of thedepositor 120 located near the outermaterial transport assembly 106. In other embodiments the seeds may be planted by hand by one or more users. - In some embodiments, the
depositor 120 is removable and replaceable. For example, onedepositor 120 may be used to plant lettuce. When a user has planted enough lettuce, the user may remove thelettuce depositor 120 and replace it with acorn depositor 120, designed to plant corn. In some embodiments, thedepositor 120 may be capable of planting more than one type of crop and does not need to be replaced. In some embodiments withmultiple depositors 120, afirst depositor 120 is located at the top of the helical path of theplanting material 110, while asecond depositor 120 is located at a position further down the helical path of theplanting material 110. Thefirst depositor 120 may deposit soil and seeds, then after theplanting material 110 has travelled along the helical path for a desired amount of time, thesecond depositor 120 may deposit fertilizer onto the soil and seed mixture. This embodiment is especially useful when the seeds of a specific crop need to be fertilized at some point after the seeds are planted. - The
harvester 130 may be any mechanism capable of harvesting crops from theplanting material 110 as theplanting material 110 travels underneath, or through, theharvester 130. Theharvester 130 may be operatively coupled at one end to the conduit 104 (or the inner material transport assembly 105) and extend at least as far as the outermaterial transport assembly 106. In some embodiments, anouter support member 111 is operatively coupled to theharvester 130 and may provide structural support to theharvester 130. Theharvester 130 is generally located at the bottom of the helical path of theplanting material 110, though in some embodiments, theharvester 130 is moveable and may be placed at a different locations along the helical path of theplanting material 110. Theharvester 130 may be one mechanism or multiple mechanisms that accomplish the task of removing crops from the soil, depositing the soil into thecompost housing 150, and transferring the harvested crops to theharvester conveyor 131. Theharvester 130 may be removable and replaceable. For example, afirst harvester 130 may be used to harvest cabbage, but when the crop changes to corn, thefirst harvester 130 may be replaced with asecond harvester 130 designed to harvest corn. In some embodiments, asingle harvester 130 may be versatile enough to harvest more than one type of crop and does not need to be replaced. In some embodiments, noharvester 130 is used, and one or more human users may do the harvesting of the crops instead. In some embodiments, theharvester 130 actively removes the soil from theplanting material 110 and delivers the used soil to thecompost housing 150. In some embodiments, theharvester 130 does not actively remove the soil from theplanting material 110, and the soil is deposited into thecompost housing 150 when theplanting material 110 wraps underneath itself, on its way back to the top of theapparatus 100, via thereturn support assemblies 201. - The
harvester conveyor 131 may be any type of mechanism that can transport the harvested crops away from theharvester 130, and to a new location such as a storage container, silo, truck, assembly line, user, and the like. In some embodiments, theharvester conveyor 131 is a conveyor belt, rollers, bins, or other like device. Theharvester conveyor 131 may be operatively coupled at one end to theharvester 130. - The
compost housing 150 may be a pit, container, or any other housing facility for receiving and retaining used soil from theapparatus 100. Thecompost housing 150 may be located at the bottom of theapparatus 100, and may either be located on top of, or within thebase 140 of theapparatus 100. As depicted inFIGS. 1 and 2 , thecompost housing 150 may be located within in a corner of thebase 140, underneath theharvester 130 and at the point where theplanting material 110 wraps underneath itself, along thereturn support assembly 201. This positioning may allow theharvester 130 and/or theplanting material 110 to easily deposit the used soil into thecompost housing 150 by discarding the used soil directly below. Thecompost housing 150 may allow for the used soil, and any remnants of the crop, to decompose, become replenished with minerals, and become usable soil for planting again. In some embodiments, one or more mixers are located within thecompost housing 150 to mix the soil and decomposing plant parts. - Since the continuous nature of this
apparatus 100 may be an important aspect of the invention, thecompost housing 150 serves a role of decomposing the old soil with its plant parts, and converting this used soil into fertile, rejuvenated soil that can be reused at the apparatus top at or near the start of the helical path (or other like path). - In some embodiments, a
compost conveyor 151 may be operatively coupled to theharvester 130 and thecompost housing 150, and configured to deliver the soil and remaining plant parts left over from theharvester 130 to thecompost housing 150. In some embodiments, a compost mulcher may be operatively coupled to thecompost conveyor 151 such that the compost is mulched or otherwise broken down before it reaches thecompost housing 150. - In some embodiments, a
compost housing conveyor 151 may be used to deliver the rejuvenated soil to the compost transport system. In some embodiments, thecompost housing conveyor 151 may be one or more conveyor belts that transports compost to thecompost transport system 710 located within theconduit 104. It should be understood that any transportation mechanism may be used as the compost conveyor or the compost housing conveyor, such as rollers, bins, or the like). In some embodiments, no compost housing conveyor is used, and the compost transport system receives the compost soil directly from thecompost housing 150. - The
compost transport system 710 may be any carrier mechanism (e.g. an auger, a series of buckets, bins, a conveyor belt, etc.) that is capable of transporting the compost soil up through theconduit 104 and deliver the compost soil to thedepositor 120 or other dispensing means. In some embodiments, the compost transport system may deliver the compost soil directly onto theplanting material 110, bypassing thedepositor 120, which may only deposit seeds and/or fertilizer. In some embodiments, thecompost transport system 710 receives the compost soil from thecompost housing conveyor 151. In other embodiments, thecompost transport system 710 may receive the compost soil directly from thecompost housing 150. Thecompost housing 150,compost conveyor 151, andcomposite transport system 710 will be described in further detail later with respect toFIGS. 7-12 . - In some embodiments of the invention, an irrigation system is provided throughout the
apparatus 100. The irrigation system may be any system that provides a controlled distribution of water to the crops located throughout, or at specific locations above, theplanting material 110. In one embodiment, the irrigation system is a network of pipes and sprinklers positioned above theplanting material 110 in the helical path of theplanting material 110. In another embodiment, the irrigation network only provides water at the top of theapparatus 100, and theplanting material 110 is comprised of permeable material that allows the water not used by the crops at each level to permeate downward to the layers of crops below. In still other embodiments of the invention irrigation channels may be utilized to deliver water to the desired areas of the crops. Any form of irrigation may be used, including sprinklers, drip/localized irrigation, surface irrigation, and sub-surface irrigation. In some embodiments of the invention, at least some of the water used in the irrigation system is drawn from the rain water collected by thecover 102. In some embodiments, at least some of the water used in the irrigation system may be drawn from an external storage tank or plumbing system. In some embodiments, the irrigation system uses the collected rain water until the irrigation system runs out of rain water, before turning to the external storage tank or plumbing system. In some embodiments, the irrigation system may comprise one or more fluid pumps to transport water around the irrigation system. - In some embodiments of the invention, a lighting system is provided throughout the
apparatus 100. The lighting system may be any system of artificial lights that provide the necessary light for growing crops throughout the multiple layers of theplanting material 110. The lighting system may use any type of artificial light bulbs or tubes, including but not limited to incandescent, fluorescent, tungsten, halogen, and LED light bulbs and tubes. In some embodiments, the lighting system also emits and/or radiates heat that may be beneficial to the crops. In some embodiments of the invention, the lighting system may comprise light bulbs (or tubes) positioned above theplanting material 110 at multiple points, or all points, down the helical path of theplanting material 110. In one embodiment of the invention, the lighting system is powered by the solar panels located under (or on top of) thelight receiver 101 and/orcover 102. In some embodiments of the invention, the lighting system is powered by an external power source. Such an external power source may be a generator, external solar panels, a power grid, and the like. In some embodiments, the lighting system is used in conjunction with sunlight that enters theapparatus 100 from the side of theapparatus 100. - A heating system is provided in one embodiment of the invention. The heating system may be any system capable of providing heat to the crops and soil along the entire surface, or portions thereof, of the
planting material 110. In one embodiment of the invention, the heating system incorporates steam created by thelight receiver 101 and/or cover 102, directing sunlight onto the rain water collected by thecover 102, whereby the heating system captures the steam and transports it throughout theapparatus 100 to provide heat to the crops. In some embodiments, the heating system uses heat generated by a heater either located within theapparatus 100 or external to theapparatus 100. Such a heater may be powered by the solar panels under (or on top of) thelight receiver 101 or cover 102, an external generator, a power grid, or the like. In some embodiments, the heating system comprises a set of air ducts or other tubing material that is capable of transporting heated air throughout theapparatus 100. In one embodiment of the invention, the set of air ducts may travel above (or below) theplanting material 110, and substantially follow the same helical path of theplanting material 110 throughout theapparatus 100. In some embodiments, a single heater is provided within theapparatus 100, or a single heated air vent is provided to theapparatus 100, whereby the single heating unit is capable of heating theentire apparatus 100 to an appropriate temperature for the crops. Such an embodiment likely would involve a sheath or other insulating enclosure around theapparatus 100 to trap the emitted heat within theapparatus 100. - In some embodiments of the invention a cooling system is provided. The cooling system may be any system capable of providing cool air to the crops and soil along the entire surface of the
planting material 110. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling system is powered by the solar panels under (or on top of) thelight receiver 101 and/or thecover 102, an external generator, a power grid, or the like. In some embodiments, the cooling system comprises a set of air ducts or other tubing material that is capable of transporting cooled air throughout theapparatus 100. In one embodiment of the invention, the set of air ducts may travel above (or below) theplanting material 110, and substantially follow the same helical path of theplanting material 110 throughout theapparatus 100. In some embodiments, a single air cooler (e.g., and air conditioner or the like) is provided within theapparatus 100, or a single cooled air vent is provided to theapparatus 100, whereby the single cooling unit is capable of cooling theentire apparatus 100 to a desired temperature for the crops. Such an embodiment likely would involve a sheath or other insulating enclosure around theapparatus 100 to trap the cool air within theapparatus 100. In some embodiments, the heating system and the cooling system are part of a single heating and cooling system that helps to maintain a desired temperature for the crops within theapparatus 100. - In some embodiments, a sheath is provided to surround, insulate, and protect the crops and the
apparatus 100 in general. The sheath (e.g. casing, wrapper, etc.) may be any type of material that surrounds the sides and/or the top of theapparatus 100. In some embodiments, the sheath insulates theapparatus 100 to help maintain a desired temperature within theapparatus 100 for the crops. In some embodiments, the sheath may be strong enough to protect theapparatus 100 from animals, wind, precipitation (e.g., snow, heavy rains, or the like), and other natural elements that could harm the crops. The sheath may be transparent, thus allowing sunlight to enter theapparatus 100 from the sides and provide direct sunlight to at least some of the crops. - Seed storage may be provided either within or external to the
apparatus 100. The seed storage may be a silo, container, or any other seed housing member capable of holding seeds for an extended period of time without causing damage to the seeds. In one embodiment, the seed storage is located within thedepositor 120. In other embodiments, the seed storage is external to thedepositor 120 and therefore includes a seed transporter that delivers the seeds from the seed storage to thedepositor 120. In some embodiments, this seed transporter is an automated system that delivers seeds to thedepositor 120 on a continuous or as-needed basis. - A water storage tank is provided in some embodiments of the invention. The water storage tank may be any type of container that can retain water (e.g. a water tower, a tank, a well, etc.). The water storage tank may be located within the apparatus 100 (e.g. within the
conduit 104, on top of thebase 140, etc.), or it may be located external to theapparatus 100. In some embodiments, the rain water collected by thedisk 102 may be routed to the water storage tank for storage. The water storage tank may also receive water from an external water system including a pipeline, a well, other rain catchers, etc. In embodiments where the water storage tank is located below the highest point of theplanting material 110, the water storage may include a water lifting mechanism (e.g. a pump, buckets, etc.). The water lifting mechanism may be automatically or manually powered. In still other embodiments of the invention the water storage tank may be located on top of theapparatus 100. - The systems described herein as being supported over at least a portion of the
planting material 110 may be supported by and/or operatively coupled to the outermaterial transport assembly 106, the innermaterial transport assembly 105, and/or system supports that may be located between the outermaterial transport assembly 106 and the innermaterial transport assembly 105. For example, there may be cross bracing, trusses, or other like system supports between the outermaterial transport assembly 106 and the innermaterial transport assembly 105 to support theplanting material 110 above the system supports, and to support the various components described herein below the system supports. -
FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate one potential embodiment of the invention and describes one configuration of amaterial coupling 301, acoupling movement device 302 and an inner rail (e.g., an inner material transport assembly 105), along with agear 303 and agear axle 305. As illustrated, the innermaterial transport assembly 105, such as the rail, may comprise a “C-beam” formation, also known as a “C channel.” Thecoupling movement devices 302 may be positioned within the channel of the inner rail. The same configuration may be used for the outermaterial transport assembly 106 as well. Thecoupling movement device 302 shown inFIG. 3 comprises a roller with twowheels 302A and arod 302B, but slides and other types ofcoupling movement devices 302 may be alternatively used. In the illustrated embodiment ofFIG. 3 , eachcoupling movement device 302 comprises twowheels 302A, located at each end of thecoupling movement device 302. The twowheels 302A are positioned within theledges wheels 302A may roll along theledges coupling movement device 302 along the C-beam channel of the inner rail. Thewheels 302A may roll independently of therod 302A, or the entirecoupling movement device 302 may roll as one piece along the inner rail. As illustrated, thematerial coupling 301, which is illustrated as a clip, is operatively coupled to therod 302A of thecoupling movement device 302. The other end of thematerial coupling 301 is operatively coupled to the planting material 110 (not pictured). Only onematerial coupling 301 is shown inFIG. 3 , for illustrative purposes, but it should be noted that each of thecoupling movement devices 302 shown may be operatively coupled with amaterial coupling 301 like the one shown. Therefore, as thecoupling movement devices 302 move along theinner rail 105, thematerial couplings 301 and the entire planting material 110 (not shown) will move parallel to themovement coupling devices 302. - As further illustrated in
FIGS. 3 and 4 , one ormore gears 303 are provided to provide the force needed to move thecoupling movement devices 302 along the inner rail (or other type of inner material transport assembly 105). The same gear concept may be used along the outer rail (or other type of outer material transport assembly 106) as well so that theplanting material 110 moves at a constant rotational speed along the inner and outer rails. Thegear 303 shown inFIG. 3 rotates about agear axle 305 and comprisesmultiple gear teeth 304. The innermaterial transport assembly 105, such as the C-shaped rail, may comprise an aperture 105C located at the back of the “C” of inner rail, where the teeth of thegear 304 may enter the channel of theinner rail 105. Thesegear teeth 304 may engage the coupling movement devices 302 (e.g., rollers, or the like). An engine (not shown), or other power source, may apply arotational force 310 to the gear axle 305 (or to thegear 303 directly). Thisrotational force 310 causes thegear 305 to rotate, moving itsgear teeth 304 through the inner rail aperture 105C, where thegear teeth 304 engage one or more coupling movement devices 302 (e.g., rollers, or the like), and pushes the coupling movement devices 302 (e.g., rollers, or the like) along the channel of the inner rail. When such a propulsive force is applied throughout the inner and outer rails, theplanting material 110 moves along the helical path defined by the inner and outer rails. Of course, since the path of the inner and outer rails is helical, thegears 303 may need to be positioned so that they are positioned substantially parallel to the plane of the inner and outer rails. To maintain a constant rotational velocity of theplanting material 110, the engine andgear 303 assembly for the outermaterial transport assembly 106 may need to move the respectivecoupling movement devices 302 at a faster linear speed than the engine andgear 303 assembly of the inner rail. In other embodiments the gear ratios may be different for the inner and outermaterial transport assemblies 105, 106 (e.g., rails), such that a single power source and/or drive mechanism may power all the gears at the same speed. Alternatively, multiple power sources and/or drive mechanisms may be utilized to drive one or more of the gears for the inner and/or outermaterial transport assemblies - Again, the gear assembly shown in
FIGS. 3 and 4 are merely illustrative of one type of assembly, which may be a part of the inner and outermaterial transport assemblies planting material 110 along the inner and outermaterial transport assemblies -
FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate one potential embodiment of the invention and describes one configuration of innermaterial transport assembly 105 and outermaterial transport assembly 106 in which thematerial coupling 301 may comprise couplings that are operatively coupled to theplanting material 110 and acable 510 that is operatively couples the couplings on theplanning material 110 to the couplings in the material transport assemblies. In one example embodiment, the innermaterial transport assembly 105 is a rail with a C-beam configuration. Thecoupling movement device 302 comprises aroller 521 located within the channel of the C-beam, with a movement coupling loop 520 (e.g., a hook, eyelet, ring, or the like) extending away from theroller 521. Thematerial coupling 301 may comprise amaterial coupling loop 530 that is operatively coupled to theplanting material 110, and extends away from theplanting material 110. In some embodiments, the movement coupling loops 520 (e.g., first cable members) and the material coupling loops 530 (e.g., second cable members) may be considered “cable members” (e.g., one type of cable support structures), which can support and be operatively coupled to acable 510. Thecable 510 may be threaded, or woven, between thecoupling movement loop 520 and thematerial coupling loop 530. As such, thecable 510 is operatively coupled to themovement coupling loop 520 and thematerial coupling loop 530, and has the capability to be tightened or loosened in order to regulate how tight theplanting material 110 is between the innertransport material assembly 105 and outertransport material assembly 106. The example embodiment illustrated byFIGS. 5 and 6 shows thecable 510 threaded between themovement coupling loop 520 and thematerial coupling loop 530. In some embodiments, a gear system similar to the one described inFIGS. 3 and 4 could provide a propulsive force on therollers 521, sliding the entire assembly, including theplanning material 110 down the innermaterial transport assembly 105. In another embodiment, another type of propulsion mechanism may apply a force on thecable 510, pulling the cable, and therefore the entire assembly, along the innermaterial transport assembly 105. - It should be understood that while a number of different configurations for the inner
material transport assembly 105 and outermaterial transport assembly 106 have been described and shown herein, these assemblies may have any type of components or configurations that allow aplanting material 110 to travel a path, such as the helical path illustrated herein, in order to allow crops to grow, be harvested, and replaced with additional crops. -
FIGS. 7-12 illustrate one potential embodiment of the invention and describes one configuration of acompost housing 150,compost conveyor 151,compost transport system 710, and adepositor 120. It should be noted that some elements of theapparatus 100 are removed inFIGS. 7-12 so that the illustrated elements may be observed in better detail. For example, theconduit 104 has been removed so that thecompost transport system 710, which may be positioned within theconduit 104, is visible. -
FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate one potential embodiment of the invention and describes one configuration of acompost housing 150,compost conveyor 151,compost transport system 710, and adepositor 120. Thecompost conveyor 151 may receive the soil and leftover plant material from aharvester 130. The term “compost” may refer to any soil and plant material, and generally infers that the plant material within the soil is decomposing. Thecompost conveyor 151 may be configured to transport this compost through acompost mulcher 720 and deliver the material to thecompost housing 150. Thecompost mulcher 720 may be any mechanism capable of breaking down and/or mixing compost, including any mulcher, shredder, wood chipper, mixer, or the like. Acompost conveyor diverter 730 may be operatively coupled to thecompost conveyor 151 within thecompost housing 150. Thecompost conveyor diverter 730 may divert the compost off of the compost conveyor and into thecompost housing 150. In some embodiments, thecompost conveyor diverter 730 may be slidable along thecompost conveyor 151, and the location of thecompost conveyor diverter 730 determines the point at which the compost enters thecompost housing 150. - A compost cultivator 740 (e.g., cultivator, plow, mixer, tiller, rotary tiller, earth mover, etc.) may be operatively coupled to the
compost housing 150 and configured to cultivate and/or mix the compost within thecompost housing 150. Thecompost cultivator 740 may disrupt the compost, which aids the compost in the process of decomposing the plant material, homogenize the compost, and prepare the compost for supporting seeds and plant growth. Thecompost cultivator 740 may be operatively coupled to one or more slidingrails 741, 742 (e.g., rods, bar, track, or the like), that allow thecompost cultivator 740 to move all across thecompost housing 150 such that every section of compost within thecompost housing 150 may be cultivated. - A
compost transport diverter 751 may be operatively coupled to thecompost housing 150, a compost housing conveyor 750 (not shown inFIG. 7 ), and/or thecompost transport system 710. Thecompost transport diverter 751 may be any mechanism capable of diverting compost from thecompost housing 150 into the compost transport system 710 (e.g., a curved wall, a slanted wall, plow, or other like compost soil mover). Thecompost transport diverter 751 shown inFIGS. 7 and 8 comprises a curved wall located at a corner of thecompost housing 150, and configured to divert compost from thecompost housing 150 into thecompost transport system 710. In some embodiments, thecompost transport diverter 751 may push the compost into thecompost transport system 710. In other embodiments, the compost is pushed toward thecompost transport diverter 751 and thecompost transport diverter 751 simply diverts the compost into thecompost transport system 710. In one embodiment of the invention, thecompost housing 150 is filled with compost such that as thecompost conveyor diverter 730 diverts new compost from thecompost conveyor 151 into thecompost housing 150, the older compost is pushed toward thecompost transport diverter 751, causing thecompost transport diverter 751 to divert at least some compost into thecompost transport system 710. In one embodiment of the invention, acompost housing conveyor 750 may be operatively coupled to thecompost housing 150 such that as compost is pushed into the compost housing from thecompost conveyor 151, at least some compost is pushed onto thecompost housing conveyor 750, which may then transport the compost toward thecompost diverter 751. - The
compost transport system 710 may be any mechanism configured to receive compost from thecompost housing 151, transport the compost up (e.g., through theconduit 104, outside of theconduit 104, or through another cavity) to adepositor 120, and deliver the compost to thedepositor 120. Thebase 711 of thecompost transport system 710 may be operatively coupled to thecompost housing 150. In some embodiments, thebase 711 of thecompost transport system 710 may additionally be operatively coupled to thecompost transport diverter 751. In one embodiment, thecompost transport system 710 may comprise two continuouscontainer transport assemblies 712, wherein the continuouscontainer transport assemblies 712 are configured to allow one ormore containers 713 to move along the continuous path. The twocontainer transport assemblies 712 may be any type of support (e.g., a rail such as a rod, bar, track, scaffolding, beam, or the like) capable of allowing one ormore containers 713 to move along the continuous path defined by thecontainer transport assemblies 712. In one embodiment, only onecontainer transport assembly 712 is provided. Thecontainers 713 may be any capsule, pod, shell, bucket, or casing configured to receive compost, confine the compost, and deliver the compost to thedepositor 120. - A
depositor 120 may be operatively coupled to the top 714 of thecontainer transport system 710 and may be configured to receive the compost (e.g., soil) from the one ormore containers 713. In this representative embodiment, thedepositor 120 comprises adepositor conveyor 121, adepositor diverter 122, adepositor plow 123, and adepositor seeder 124. In some embodiments, thedepositor conveyor 121, thedepositor diverter 122, thedepositor plow 123, and thedepositor seeder 124 may be enclosed within (and therefore comprise) asingle depositor 120. In other embodiments, one or more of thedepositor conveyor 121, thedepositor diverter 122, thedepositor plow 123, and thedepositor seeder 124 may be separated from the others, and therefore reside within aseparate depositor 120. For example purposes, each of the depositor elements shall be considered onesingle depositor 120 throughoutFIGS. 7, 8, 11, and 12 . - The
depositor conveyor 121 may be any mechanism capable of transporting soil across thedepositor 120. The depositor diverter 122 (e.g., a curved wall, a slanted wall, etc.) may be any mechanism capable of diverting soil from thedepositor conveyor 121 onto theplanting material 110 below (not shown). The depositor diverter 122 shown inFIGS. 7 and 8 comprises a curved wall operatively coupled to thedepositor conveyor 121 and configured to divert compost from thedepositor conveyor 121 onto theplanting material 110 below (not shown). The depositor plow 123 (e.g., plow, cultivator, rake, tiller, etc.) may be any mechanism configured to adjust deposited soil into an orientation receptive to planting seeds for crop growth. In some embodiments, thedepositor plow 123 may comprise a stationary strut with multiple prongs extending downward such that the soil may be separated into rows as theplanting material 110 travels underneath the depositor plow. In another embodiment, and as illustrated inFIGS. 7 and 8 , thedepositor plow 123 may comprise a rotational strut with multiple disks extending therefrom, the strut and/or the disks rotating such that soil passing through the depositor plow may be separated into rows. - Finally, the
depositor seeder 124 may comprise a strut with multiple holes beneath the strut, configured such that seeds may travel across the strut and be deposited onto the soil passing beneath thedepositor seeder 124. In some embodiments, the rate at which thedepositor seeder 124 deposits seeds may vary at different points across the strut. As described before, since the linear speed of theplanting material 120 is varied across the length of thedepositor seeder 124, the depositor seeder may deposit seeds at a faster rate at distances farther away from the center of theapparatus 100. In some embodiments, thedepositor seeder 124 may also deposit fertilizer and/or water onto the soil andplanting material 110. - To highlight the cyclical nature of the apparatus and the elements shown in
FIGS. 7 and 8 , the soil and seeds deposited by thedepositor 120 will travel down the cyclical path defined by the innermaterial transport assembly 105 and the outermaterial transport assembly 106, atop theplanting material 110, until the soil and mature crops reach theharvester 130. The harvester 139 may harvest the crops and discard the soil and plant remnants as compost into thecompost conveyor 151. The compost conveyor may transport the compost through thecompost mulcher 720 before thecompost conveyor diverter 730 pushes the compost into thecompost housing 150. As more compost enters thecompost housing 150, this compost travels toward thecompost transport system 710 while occasionally being tilled by thecompost cultivator 740. When the compost reaches thecompost transport system 710, thecompost transport diverter 751 diverts the compost into acompost container 713. Thecontainer 713 filled with compost then travels up theconduit 104, along thecompost transport assemblies 712, and deposits the compost (now referred to as soil or compost soil) onto thedepositor conveyor 121. Thedepositor conveyor 121 transports the soil outward, away from theconduit 104 until thedepositor diverter 122 pushes the soil off of thedepositor conveyor 121 and onto theplanting material 110. The soil then travels through thedepositor plow 123, being separated into rows ready for planting. Finally, thedepositor seeder 124 deposits seeds onto (or into) the soil and the process is repeated. -
FIG. 9 illustrates an example embodiment of the invention, specifically a close-up perspective view of thecompost housing 150, thecompost conveyor 151, thecompost mulcher 720, thecompost conveyor diverter 730, one of thecompost sliding rails 742 of thecompost cultivator 740, and thecompost cultivator 740. -
FIG. 10 illustrates an example embodiment of the invention, specifically a close-up perspective view of thecompost housing 150, thecompost conveyor 151, thecompost conveyor diverter 730, the slidingbars compost cultivator 740, thecompost cultivator 740, thecompost housing conveyor 750, the composthousing transport diverter 751, thecompost transport assemblies 712, and thecontainers 713. -
FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate an example embodiment of the invention, specifically a close-up perspective view of thecompost transport assemblies 712, thecontainers 713, thedepositor conveyor 121, thedepositor diverter 122, thedepositor plow 123, and thedepositor seeder 124. - In some embodiments of the invention, the helical path can be set to move at a rate depending on the crop that is being gown, such that when a row of the crops reaches the bottom of the apparatus they are ready for harvesting. In other embodiments the rate at which the helical path moves may be variable depending on how each row of crops is growing. In some embodiments of the invention the location of
material transport assemblies - In some embodiments, the footprint of the apparatus may be of any size, such as a quarter, a third, a half, two-thirds, three-quarters, or a whole acre, or greater than an acre. In other embodiments of the invention the size of the apparatus may be between any of these vales, overlapping these values, or be outside of these values. Depending on the height of the apparatus, the surface area of the planting material may be 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 75, 100, or more times, or range from 2 to 100 times or more, of the size of the footprint of the land on which the apparatus is located. In other embodiments of the invention the size of the apparatus may be between any of these vales, overlapping these values, or be outside of these values.
- Additionally, the crops grown in the present invention will also grow faster than the crops grown under normal conditions on farmland because the closed system allows the user to maintain the desired conditions for each type of crop that is grown in it, throughout the grow cycle, from germination to harvest. Due to the temperature maintaining ability of the apparatus, crops may be able to grow all year round. With respect to some crops, the present invention may allow for 3-8 growing seasons (or another range within, outside, or overlapping this range), depending on the type of crop, where as traditional farming on land provides only one. The system also allows the user to add aquaponics features that can utilize rich nutrients from fish digestion, which has been known to increase growth of plants by a factor of 2 in many cases. The system also has the ability to eliminate or reduce the use of, costs of, and damage of harmful pesticides, as well as eliminate or reduce the need for genetically modified plants that are engineered to resist drought, extreme conditions, or modified growth rates, or the like. As such, the rate at which the crops grow in this environment may be approximately 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 5, or the like, or range from 1.5 to 4, or more times (or another range within, outside, or overlapping this range) as crops grown on farmland.
- Crops can also be planted more densely due to more available nutrients in the soil and water which is constricted on traditional farmland. This system also reduces the use of burning fossil fuels and total carbon footprint required to harvest and transport crops to the end consumer because the apparatus can be set up in any rural or urban footprint and produce many more crops than could be farmed using the footprint of the land.
- The amount of crops that can be grown using the apparatus over the amount of crops that can be gown on the same footprint of land may be at least 50, 75, 100, or more (or any range that is within, outside of, or above these values), depending on the number of levels in the apparatus, type of crop, footprint of planting material, fertilizers, temperature regulation, watering cycles, lighting (e.g., types, quantity and cycles of lighting), or the like. While
FIGS. 1-12 illustrate a few embodiments of the invention, several alternative designs are considered as well. For example, in one embodiment, theapparatus 100 may not have areturn support assembly 201. In such an embodiment, theplanting material 110 may be comprised of removable and attachable sections. These sections, after passing through theharvester 130, may be removed from the trailing section, and re-attached to the rest of theplanting material 110 at the top of the helical path. This design may be especially useful when theplanting material 110 is not very flexible or stretchable, and passing theplanting material 110 along thereturn support assembly 201 would cause damage to theplanting material 110. Additionally, the soil could still be continuously run through theapparatus 100 as described earlier, so crop production does not slow down or stop. - In another embodiment of the invention, the
planting material 110 may move upwardly (e.g., upwardly in the helix) following the same path as described above in which theplanting material 110 moved downwardly. In such an embodiment, theplanting material 110 may begin near the apparatus bottom, travel upwardly, end near the top (e.g., the crops are harvested near the top), and be returned to the bottom (e.g., in a continuous motion). In this embodiment, the devices and use of each may occur in the opposite direction, such as the crops are planted at the bottom and harvested at the top. - In some embodiments, the apparatus may be located within the ground instead of above the ground, such that access to the apparatus may be easier and the geothermal properties of the ground may be utilized to improve temperature control, or the like.
- In other embodiments of the invention, there may be rollers, wheels, or other planting material movement mechanisms that are not attached to the planting material, which function to allow the
planting material 110 to roll over theplanting material 110, while also supporting the planting material. These planting material movement mechanisms may be spaced evenly at various areas throughout the helix to decrease the span and decrease potential sagging of planting material due to the weight of the grow mediums, crops, and/or water. - Another alternative design involves using two layers of planting
material 110. In such an embodiment, the two layers may be attached to the same inner and outermaterial transport assemblies material transport assemblies planting material 110 layers. The twoplanting material 110 layers may be comprised of different material. For example, the bottom layer may be a sturdy fabric while the top layer is a light mesh material that allows parts of a plant to grow upwards, through the holes of the mesh. In such an embodiment, potatoes and other crops that grow below the ground may grow between the twoplanting material 110 layers. - In one embodiment of the invention, the
planting material 110 does not move down the helical path at all, instead the plantingmaterial 110 stays stationary, in the helical orientation, while thedepositor 120 and theharvester 130 travel along the helical path, planting and harvesting the crops as they move along. In such an embodiment, thedepositor 120 and theharvester 130 may be in continuous motion, returning to the top of the helical path via thereturn support assemblies 201. In another embodiment, a user may detach thedepositor 120 and theharvester 130 and transport them to the top of the helical path manually. - While certain exemplary embodiments have been described and shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative of, and not restrictive on, the broad invention, and that this invention not be limited to the specific constructions and arrangements shown and described, since various other changes, combinations, omissions, modifications and substitutions, in addition to those set forth in the above paragraphs, are possible. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various adaptations, modifications, and combinations of the just described embodiments can be configured without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Therefore, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described herein.
Claims (25)
1. An apparatus for a vertical farming structure through which crops are allowed to grow as the crops move, the apparatus comprising:
a central support member positioned at least near the center of the apparatus;
one or more outer support members positioned at least near the exterior of the apparatus;
an inner material transport assembly operatively coupled to the central support member;
an outer material transport assembly operatively coupled to the outer support members;
a planting material comprising an inner edge operatively coupled to the inner material transport assembly, an outer edge operatively coupled to the outer material transport assembly, and a body extending between the inner edge and the outer edge, and wherein the planting material is flexible, such that the planting material may be deformed, and is configured to support the crops as the crops grow; and
wherein the crops are planted in a first location within the apparatus, move as the inner material transport assembly and outer transport assembly allow the planting material to move, and are ready for harvesting in a second location within the apparatus.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is formed in a helical configuration such that the inner material transport assembly and the outer material transport assembly extend the planting material in a helical configuration from the apparatus top to the apparatus bottom.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the inner material transport assembly or the outer material transport assembly comprise first cable members, wherein the planting material comprise second cable members, and wherein the first cable members and second cable members are operatively coupled by a cable in order to operatively couple at least one edge of the planting material to the inner material transport assembly or the outer material transport assembly, and wherein the cable members and the cable are configured to move the planting material along the inner material transport assembly and the outer material transport assembly from the first location within the apparatus to the second location within the apparatus.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the inner material transport assembly and outer material transport assembly comprise clips, rollers, and gears operatively coupled together, and wherein the clips are operatively coupled to at least one of the inner edge or the outer edge of the planting material, and wherein the clips, the rollers, and the gears are configured to move the planting material along the inner material transport assembly and the outer material transport assembly from the first location within the apparatus to the second location within the apparatus.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the apparatus further comprises:
a planting material return support extending adjacent the apparatus bottom and the apparatus top;
wherein the planting material return support is configured to fold or bunch at least the outer edge of the planting material within the planting material return support adjacent the apparatus bottom; and
wherein after exiting the planting material return support adjacent the apparatus top the planting material returns to a helical orientation between the inner material transport assembly and the outer material transport assembly, thereby forming a continuous path along which the planting material travels.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the apparatus further comprises:
a light receiver operatively coupled to the central support member, the light receiver comprising one or more solar panels;
a cover operatively coupled to the central support member and the outer support members, the cover comprising a reflective material and configured to direct sunlight towards the light receiver; and
wherein the one or more solar panels are utilized to power at least a portion of the apparatus.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the central support member comprises a conduit or is operatively coupled to a conduit.
8. The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the apparatus further comprises:
a compost housing located adjacent the apparatus bottom and configured to receive soil from the planting material after the crops are harvested;
a compost transport system operatively coupled to the compost housing and the conduit, wherein the compost transport system is configured to receive the soil from the compost housing; and
a depositor operatively coupled to the conduit, positioned over at least a portion of the planting material, wherein the depositor is configured to receive the soil from the compost transport system and deposit soil on at least a portion of the planting material.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the apparatus further comprises:
a depositor positioned over at least a portion of the planting material, wherein the depositor is configured to deposit soil or seeds on at least the portion of the planting material, and wherein the depositor is configured to be stationary or moveable over the planting material; and
a harvester positioned over at least a portion of the planting material, wherein the harvester is configured to harvest the crops from the planting material, and wherein the harvester is configured to be stationary or moveable over the planting material.
10. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the apparatus further comprises:
a propulsive assembly operatively coupled to the inner transport assembly or the outer transport assembly, wherein the propulsive assembly is configured to move the planting material along the inner transport assembly and the outer transport assembly.
11. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the apparatus further comprises:
a heating system operatively coupled to the apparatus and configured to provide heat throughout the planting material, or a cooling system operatively coupled to the apparatus and configured to provide cool air throughout the planting material;
an irrigation system operatively coupled to the apparatus, wherein the irrigation system is configured to provide water throughout the planting material;
a lighting system operatively coupled to the apparatus, wherein the lighting system is configured to provide artificial light to the crops; and
a sheath positioned to surround the apparatus, wherein the sheath is configured to protect the planting material from natural elements.
12. A method for growing crops in a vertical farming structure as the crops move, the method comprising:
planting seeds for crops on a planting material at a first location within an apparatus, wherein the apparatus comprises:
a central support member;
one or more outer support members positioned at least near an exterior of the apparatus;
an inner material transport assembly operatively coupled to the central support member;
an outer material transport assembly operatively coupled to the outer support members;
wherein the planting material comprises an inner edge operatively coupled to the inner material transport assembly and an outer edge operatively coupled to the outer material transport assembly, and a body suspended between the inner edge and the outer edge, and wherein the planting material is flexible, such that the planting material may be deformed, and is configured to support the crops as the crops grow;
moving the planting material with the crops along the inner material transport assembly and the outer transport assembly; and
harvesting the crops at a second location within the apparatus after the crops have grown to the desired maturity.
13. The method of claim 12 , wherein the apparatus is formed in a helical configuration such that the inner material transport assembly and the outer material transport assembly extend the planting material in a helical configuration from the apparatus top to the apparatus bottom.
14. The method of claim 12 , wherein at least one of the inner material transport assembly or the outer material transport assembly comprise first cable members, wherein the planting material comprise second cable members, and wherein the first cable members and second cable members are operatively coupled by a cable in order to operatively couple at least one edge of the planting material to the inner material transport assembly or the outer material transport assembly, and wherein the cable members and the cable are configured to move the planting material along the inner material transport assembly and the outer material transport assembly from the first location within the apparatus to the second location within the apparatus.
15. The method of claim 12 , wherein at least one of the inner material transport assembly and outer material transport assembly comprise clips, rollers, and gears operatively coupled together, and wherein the clips are operatively coupled to at least one of the inner edge or the outer edge of the planting material, and wherein the clips, the rollers, and the gears are configured to move the planting material along the inner material transport assembly and the outer material transport assembly from the first location within the apparatus to the second location within the apparatus.
16. The method of claim 12 , further comprising:
returning the planting material at the apparatus bottom to the apparatus top in a continuous path through a planting material return support extending adjacent the apparatus bottom and the apparatus top;
wherein the planting material return support is configured to fold or bunch at least the outer edge of the planting material within the planting material return support adjacent the apparatus bottom; and
wherein after exiting the planting material return support adjacent the apparatus top the planting material returns to a helical orientation between the inner material transport assembly and the outer material transport assembly, thereby forming the continuous path along which the planting material travels.
17. The method of claim 12 , wherein the crops are gown with the assistance of a light receiver operatively coupled to the central support member, the light receiver comprising one or more solar panels; a cover operatively coupled to the central support member and the outer support members, the cover comprising a reflective material and configured to direct sunlight towards the light receiver; and wherein the one or more solar panels are utilized to power at least a portion of the apparatus.
18. The method of claim 12 , further comprising:
delivering soil from a compost housing located adjacent the apparatus bottom to the planting material adjacent the apparatus top through a conduit using a compost transport system and a depositor;
wherein the central support member comprises the conduit or is operatively coupled to the conduit;
wherein the compost housing is configured to receive the soil from the planting material after the crops are harvested;
wherein the compost transport system is operatively coupled to the compost housing and the conduit, wherein the compost transport system is configured to receive the soil from the compost housing deliver the soil to the depositor; and
wherein the depositor is operatively coupled to the conduit, positioned over at least a portion of the planting material, and wherein the depositor is configured to receive the soil from the compost transport system and deposit the soil on at least a portion of the planting material.
19. The method of claim 12 , wherein the crops are grown with the assistance of a heating system operatively coupled to the apparatus and configured to provide heat throughout the planting material, or a cooling system operatively coupled to the apparatus and configured to provide cool air throughout the planting material; an irrigation system operatively coupled to the apparatus, wherein the irrigation system is configured to provide water throughout the planting material; a lighting system operatively coupled to the apparatus, wherein the lighting system is configured to provide artificial light to the crops; and a sheath positioned to surround the apparatus, wherein the sheath is configured to protect the planting material from natural elements.
20. (canceled)
21. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the planting material is comprised of removable and attachable sections such that the removable and attachable sections of the planting material may be removed from the apparatus and re-attached within the apparatus.
22. The method of claim 12 , wherein the planting material is comprised of removable and attachable sections such that the removable and attachable sections of the planting material may be removed from the apparatus and re-attached within the apparatus.
23. The method of claim 12 , wherein the apparatus further comprises:
a depositor positioned over at least a portion of the planting material, wherein the depositor is configured to deposit soil or seeds on at least the portion of the planting material, and wherein the depositor is configured to be stationary or moveable over the planting material; and
a harvester positioned over at least a portion of the planting material, wherein the harvester is configured to harvest the crops from the planting material, and wherein the harvester is configured to be stationary or moveable over the planting material.
24. An apparatus for a vertical farming structure through which crops are allowed to grow as the crops move, the apparatus comprising:
a central support member positioned at least near the center of the apparatus;
one or more outer support members positioned at least near the exterior of the apparatus;
an inner material support assembly operatively coupled to the central support member;
an outer material support assembly operatively coupled to the outer support members;
a planting material comprising an inner edge operatively coupled to the inner material support assembly, an outer edge operatively coupled to the outer material support assembly, and a body extending between the inner edge and the outer edge, and wherein the planting material is configured to support the crops as the crops grow; and
a depositor positioned over at least a portion of the planting material or a harvester positioned over at least a portion of the planting material, wherein the depositor is configured to deposit soil or seeds on at least the portion of the planting material, and wherein the depositor is configured to be moveable over the planting material, and wherein the harvester is configured to harvest the crops from the planting material, and wherein the harvester is configured to be moveable over the planting material.
25. An apparatus for a vertical farming structure through which crops are allowed to grow as the crops move, the apparatus comprising:
a central support member positioned at least near the center of the apparatus;
one or more outer support members positioned at least near the exterior of the apparatus;
an inner material transport assembly operatively coupled to the central support member;
an outer material transport assembly operatively coupled to the outer support members;
a planting material comprising an inner edge operatively coupled to the inner material transport assembly, an outer edge operatively coupled to the outer material transport assembly, and a body extending between the inner edge and the outer edge, wherein the planting material is flexible, such that the planting material may be deformed, and is configured to support the crops as the crops grow;
wherein the crops are planted in a first location within the apparatus, move as the inner material transport assembly and outer transport assembly allow the planting material to move, and are ready for harvesting in a second location within the apparatus; and
wherein the planting material is returned from the second location after the crops are harvested to the first location, thereby forming a continuous path along which the planting material travels.
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US14/604,381 US20160212946A1 (en) | 2015-01-23 | 2015-01-23 | Large-scale helical farming apparatus |
PCT/US2016/014294 WO2016118731A1 (en) | 2015-01-23 | 2016-01-21 | Large-scale helical farming apparatus |
US15/171,791 US10201122B2 (en) | 2015-01-23 | 2016-06-02 | Large-scale helical farming apparatus |
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US14/604,381 US20160212946A1 (en) | 2015-01-23 | 2015-01-23 | Large-scale helical farming apparatus |
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US15/171,791 Continuation-In-Part US10201122B2 (en) | 2015-01-23 | 2016-06-02 | Large-scale helical farming apparatus |
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US20160212946A1 true US20160212946A1 (en) | 2016-07-28 |
Family
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US14/604,381 Abandoned US20160212946A1 (en) | 2015-01-23 | 2015-01-23 | Large-scale helical farming apparatus |
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US (1) | US20160212946A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2016118731A1 (en) |
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US20180070538A1 (en) * | 2015-12-14 | 2018-03-15 | Lawrence Marek | Vertical farm |
WO2018132780A1 (en) * | 2017-01-13 | 2018-07-19 | Robert Smith | Apparatus and method for plant growth management |
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WO2019157292A1 (en) * | 2018-02-09 | 2019-08-15 | Skyscraper Farm Llc | An architecture for vertical farming |
US10568275B2 (en) | 2017-06-14 | 2020-02-25 | Grow Solutions Tech Llc | Systems and methods for providing temperature control in a grow pod |
JP2020522987A (en) * | 2017-06-14 | 2020-08-06 | グロー ソリューションズ テック エルエルシー | System and method for bypassing harvest for a growth pod |
US11089741B2 (en) | 2018-03-21 | 2021-08-17 | Mjnn Llc | Vertical grow tower conveyance system for controlled environment agriculture |
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US11497175B2 (en) * | 2019-12-20 | 2022-11-15 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Plant grower |
US11570958B2 (en) | 2019-09-20 | 2023-02-07 | Mjnn Llc | Catch mechanism facilitating loading of vertical grow towers onto grow lines in a vertical farm system |
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US4258501A (en) * | 1979-08-15 | 1981-03-31 | Lawrence C. Calvert, II | Seed sprouting apparatus and method |
US20090265986A1 (en) * | 2008-04-28 | 2009-10-29 | Young Nolan W | Helical Plant Growing System |
US8151518B2 (en) * | 2008-06-17 | 2012-04-10 | New York Sun Works | Vertically integrated greenhouse |
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2015
- 2015-01-23 US US14/604,381 patent/US20160212946A1/en not_active Abandoned
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2016
- 2016-01-21 WO PCT/US2016/014294 patent/WO2016118731A1/en active Application Filing
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